If you ask any adult i’m sure they’ll be able to tell you about their childhood memories involving riding their first bike. A bike provides a child freedom, confidence and treasured family memories. It’s also key in supporting the development of their gross motor skills and muscle development, this means it’s important that you choose the perfect one for your child. Read this blog to find out what considerations you need to make before purchasing the ultimate kids bike that will kick start their adventurous side.
Size
When it comes to choosing a bike that’s the perfect size you need to consider more than just your child’s age. Measuring your child’s height is the best way to accurately match a bike to their size. Choosing a bike that’s just the right size is also important because if it’s too big it will be too heavy and the last thing you want is the wrong choice hindering your child’s progress and confidence. The guide below makes reference to age as an ideal starting point to explore when researching what’s on the market. As a general rule if your child can stand over the bike with both feet flat on the floor and comfortably reach the pedals and handlebars when sat on the seat, you’re on to a winner.
Age 12-18 months
Balance bikes are designed to suit children from as young as 18 months and teach balance, gross motor skills and related techniques from an early age. These bikes are a little different from your average bike as they have no pedals and rely on the child pushing themselves along with their feet. They are a great way to gently introduce your child to cycling and they’ll have so much fun in the process. Once your child has the balance bike down and they start to outgrow it the usual progression is to move onto their first bicycle with trainer wheels.
Age 2-4
Usually, children aged 2-4 will suit a 12 inch bike. They’ll need training wheels at this age and some of these bikes come with push steerers on the back so they can be directed when needed. The push steerers are usually detachable too, so when they’re starting to gain more confidence you can detach it and they can cycle freely.
Age 3-6
Usually, children aged 3-6 years old will use a 16 inch bike. These bikes will also come with training wheels and will be lightweight as your child is likely to not have developed the strength required for independant riding. This is why weight is also a key consideration at this stage. For children falling into the latter category of this age group you may want to consider a 16 inch BMX for a stronger, more heavy duty, alternative if your child is now riding independently and making progress in this area.
Age 6-10
Usually, children aged 6-10 years will use a 20 inch bike. 20 inch is also the standard size for a BMX wheel so at this stage in your child’s cycling development you can also consider switching to a BMX as they both have no gears and share a lot of similarities. The main difference is that a standard bike is a lot lighter where as a BMX is heavier and alot more durable. Children who are more confident and have been riding for a while usually choose a BMX, as a parent, this is a more cost effective choice as they are more hardened and will last longer.
Now you have the information as a basis to start your research what’s stopping you from hitting the shops and starting your bonding family adventure.
